ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines -- for Friday, June 24, 2011 ~ Technology

ScienceDaily Top Science Headlines

for Friday, June 24, 2011

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Social amoeba rely on genetic 'lock and key' to identify kin (June 24, 2011) -- Scientists have identified the genetic "lock and key" that enable the amoeba to tell kin from non-kin. Just as the uniforms of armies enable soldiers to differentiate foe from friend, these amoeba use the protruding proteins as a kind of flag. In this case, the flag that protruded differs among strains of the Dictyostelium. These differences are critical to the kin/non-kin discrimination. ... > full story

Slow growth of childhood brain tumors linked to genetic process seen in skin moles (June 24, 2011) -- Researchers have found a likely explanation for the slow growth of the most common childhood brain tumor, pilocytic astrocytoma. Using tests on a new cell-based model of the tumor, they concluded that the initial process of tumor formation switches on a growth-braking tumor-suppressor gene, in a process similar to that seen in skin moles. ... > full story

Physicists observe 'campfire effect' in blinking nanorod semiconductors (June 24, 2011) -- When semiconductor nanorods are exposed to light, they blink in a seemingly random pattern. By clustering nanorods together, physicists at the University of Pennsylvania have shown that their combined "on" time is increased dramatically providing new insight into this mysterious blinking behavior. ... > full story

Potential new approaches to treat myelofibrosis (June 24, 2011) -- A new study sheds light on a possible new approach to treat the bone marrow disease known as myelofibrosis by inhibiting an enzyme that connects extracellular fibers. ... > full story

No two strands are alike: New mechanism for elongation of viral genome termini (June 24, 2011) -- Like bacteria, viruses have their own genome. The ends or termini of a viral RNA are especially interesting for virologists because they play an important role in reproduction and in the reaction of the innate immune system to the virus. The genetic information is reproduced when a strand of the genome is transcribed into a complementary strand of the so-called antigenome. This strand then serves as the model or template for the synthesis of a new genome. ... > full story

Smaller companies hit hardest during emerging market crises (June 24, 2011) -- A study of the reaction by the United States stock market to international financial crises shows that small companies are often hit hardest, and the impact is above and beyond what would be expected given their exposure to global market factors. ... > full story

When matter melts: Scientists map phase changes in quark-gluon plasma (June 24, 2011) -- For a few millionths of a second after the big bang, quarks could move freely, but soon normal matter "froze out" of this quark-matter soup. For the first time scientists have compared quantum theory calculations and data from the STAR experiment at Brookhaven's Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider to map out the energies and temperatures where ordinary matter melts and the quark-gluon plasma freezes. ... > full story

To fix diabetic nerve damage, blood vessels and support cells may be the real targets of treatment (June 24, 2011) -- Blood vessels and supporting cells appear to be pivotal partners in repairing nerves ravaged by diabetic neuropathy, and nurturing their partnership with nerve cells might make the difference between success and failure in experimental efforts to regrow damaged nerves, researchers report in a new study. ... > full story

Even in flies, enriched learning drives need for sleep, study finds (June 24, 2011) -- Just like human teenagers, fruit flies that spend a day buzzing around the "fly mall" with their companions need more sleep. That's because the environment makes their brain circuits grow dense new synapses and they need sleep to dial back the energy needs of their stimulated brains, according to a new study by sleep researchers. ... > full story

Computational software provides rapid identification of disease-causing gene variations (June 24, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a new software tool called VAAST, the Variant Annotation, Analysis and Selection Tool -- a probabilistic disease-causing mutation finder for individual human genomes. ... > full story

Study of phytoremediation benefits of 86 indoor plants published; Japanese royal fern tops list for formaldehyde removal effectiveness (June 24, 2011) -- Scientists determined the formaldehyde removal efficiency of a diverse cross-section of 86 indoor plant species. Ferns had the highest formaldehyde removal efficiency of the five classes of plants used in the experiments. Osmunda japonica (Japanese royal fern) was the most effective at removing formaldehyde of the species tested, proving 50 times more effective than the least-efficient species. All plants in the study were classified as excellent, intermediate, and poor based on formaldehyde removal efficiency. ... > full story

Planning is key to a healthy and happy retirement, studies find (June 24, 2011) -- For many older adults, chronic health problems and poor planning often hinder the enjoyment of retirement. Now, a researcher has found that planning for changes in lifestyle and health leads to better retirement for married couples. According to the studies, couples should plan for retirement, both financially and socially and consider the changes that may occur in their relationships and day-to-day activities. Communication with each other and family members makes it easier for couples to adjust. ... > full story

Flames of Betelgeuse: New image reveals vast nebula around famous supergiant star (June 23, 2011) -- Astronomers have imaged a complex and bright nebula around the supergiant star Betelgeuse in greater detail than ever before. This structure, which resembles flames emanating from the star, is formed as the behemoth sheds its material into space. ... > full story

A step toward controlling Huntington's disease? Potential new way of blocking activity of gene that causes HD (June 23, 2011) -- Researchers have identified a natural mechanism that might one day be used to block the expression of the mutated gene known to cause Huntington's disease. Their experiments offer not an immediate cure, but a potential new approach to stopping or even preventing the development of this relentless neurodegenerative disorder. ... > full story

Marine turtle movements tracked (June 23, 2011) -- Biologists have monitored the movements of an entire sub-population of marine turtle for the first time. The study confirms that through satellite tracking we can closely observe the day-to-day lives of marine turtles, accurately predicting their migrations and helping direct conservation efforts. ... > full story

Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use increases fracture risk in lung disease patients, study finds (June 23, 2011) -- Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who use inhaled corticosteroids to improve breathing for more than six months have a 27 percent increased risk of bone fractures, new research suggests. ... > full story

Smartphone app helps you find friends in a crowd (June 23, 2011) -- Can a smartphone app enable meaningful, face-to-face conversation? Engineers are trying to find out, with software that helps people locate their friends in a crowd -- and make new friends who share similar interests. ... > full story

Policies that promote healthy eating, activity and sleep are needed to curb obesity in infants, toddlers and preschoolers (June 23, 2011) -- Limiting television and other media use, encouraging infants and young children in preschool and child care to spend more time in physically active play, and requiring child care providers to promote healthy sleeping practices are some of the actions needed to curb high rates of obesity among America's youngest children, says a new report. ... > full story

Sleep switch found in fruit flies (June 23, 2011) -- Rather than count sheep, drink warm milk or listen to soothing music, many insomniacs probably wish for a switch they could flick to put themselves to sleep. Scientists have discovered such a switch in the brains of fruit flies. ... > full story

Who goes there? Novel complex senses viral infection (June 23, 2011) -- Scientists have identified a novel sensor that is necessary to activate the immune response to viral infection. The research enhances our understanding of the complex and overlapping mechanisms our immune cells use to thwart infection. ... > full story

Large numbers of birth defects seen near mountaintop mining operations (June 23, 2011) -- Birth defects are significantly more common in areas of mountaintop coal mining and are on the rise as the practice becomes more common, according to a new study. ... > full story

Hereditary colon cancer syndrome marked by abnormally dense blood vessel growth in mouth (June 23, 2011) -- Researchers have found that a hereditary colon cancer syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, is associated with abnormally dense blood vessel growth in the skin lining the mouth. ... > full story

Dawn spacecraft nears start of year-long stay at giant asteroid Vesta (June 23, 2011) -- NASA's Dawn spacecraft is on track to begin the first extended visit to a large asteroid. The mission expects to go into orbit around Vesta on July 16 and begin gathering science data in early August. Vesta resides in the main asteroid belt and is thought to be the source of a large number of meteorites that fall to Earth. ... > full story

Deadly drugged driving: Drug use tied to fatal car crashes (June 23, 2011) -- It's well known that drunk driving can have fatal consequences, but a new study suggests that alcohol is not the only drug that's a danger on the road. Researchers found that of US drivers who died in a crash, about 25 percent tested positive for drugs. The most common drugs were marijuana and stimulants, including cocaine and amphetamines. ... > full story

Body temperatures of dinosaurs measured for first time: Some dinosaurs were as warm as most modern mammals (June 23, 2011) -- Were dinosaurs slow and lumbering, or quick and agile? It depends largely on whether they were cold or warm blooded. Now, a team of researchers has developed a new approach to take body temperatures of dinosaurs for the first time, providing new insights into whether dinosaurs were cold or warm blooded. ... > full story

Hybrid Leishmania parasites on the loose (June 23, 2011) -- What we anxiously fear in the influenza virus – a cross between two strains, resulting in a new variant we have no resistance against – has occurred in another pathogen, the Leishmania parasite. The new hybrid species might not be more dangerous than their parents, but it’s too early to know. ... > full story

Model helps pinpoint cyanobacterial genes that capture the sun's energy (June 23, 2011) -- A new model of the single-celled marine cyanobacterium Cyanothece could help researchers use blue-green algae to make renewable energy by predicting which of its genes are central to capturing energy from sunlight. ... > full story

Cautionary tale for people with diabetes: Dog consumed part of a sleeping patient's toe (June 23, 2011) -- In a case study that illustrates the need for people with diabetes to be cautious of foot injuries and to protect themselves from pets, a woman with numbness in her feet caused by diabetic neuropathy slept through a traumatic episode in which her Jack Russell terrier chewed off part of her slightly infected big toe, according to a new article. ... > full story

Scientists a step closer to understanding 'natural antifreeze' molecules (June 23, 2011) -- Scientists have made an important step forward in their understanding of cryoprotectants -- compounds that act as natural "antifreeze" to protect drugs, food and tissues stored at sub-zero temperatures. ... > full story

Youth cybercrime linked to friends' influence (June 23, 2011) -- Peer influence and low self-control appear to be the major factors fueling juvenile cybercrime such as computer hacking and online bullying, according to a new study. ... > full story

Speed of brain signals clocked: New studies illuminate brain's complex neurotransmission machinery (June 23, 2011) -- Scientists have uncovered surprising details about the complex process that leads to the flow of neurotransmitters between brain neurons -- a dance of chemical messages so delicate that missteps often lead to neurological dysfunction. ... > full story

Influenza vaccination during pregnancy protects newborns, study suggests (June 23, 2011) -- Infants born to mothers who received the influenza (flu) vaccine while pregnant are nearly 50 percent less likely to be hospitalized for the flu than infants born to mothers who did not receive the vaccine while pregnant, according to a new study. ... > full story

Obese dieters' brain chemistry works against their weight-loss efforts (June 23, 2011) -- When obese individuals reduce their food intake too drastically, their bodies appear to resist their weight loss efforts, new research shows. The researcher particularly cautions against beginning a diet with a fast or cleansing day, which appears to trigger significant alterations in the immune system that work against weight loss. ... > full story

Properties of 'confined' water within single-walled carbon nanotube pores clarified (June 23, 2011) -- Water and ice may not be among the first things that come to mind when you think about single-walled carbon nanotubes, but a Japan-based research team hoping to get a clearer understanding of the phase behavior of confined water in the cylindrical pores of carbon nanotubes zeroed in on confined water's properties and made some surprising discoveries. ... > full story

Science education: U.S. report recommends ways to improve K-12 STEM education, calls on policymakers (June 23, 2011) -- State, national and local policymakers should elevate science education in grades K-12 to the same level of importance as reading and mathematics, says a new report from the U.S. National Research Council. The report recommends ways that leaders at all levels can improve K-12 education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. ... > full story

Harnessing electron spin: Toward a new breed of computers that can process data using less power (June 23, 2011) -- Harnessing the magnetic moment, or spin, of electrons rather than their electric charge, physicists have achieved a breakthrough toward the development of a new breed of computing devices that can process data using less power. ... > full story

New biomarker may help with early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (June 23, 2011) -- A new biomarker may help identify which people with mild memory deficits will go on to develop Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study. The biomarker may be more accurate than the currently established biomarkers. ... > full story

New technique yields troves of information from nanoscale bone samples (June 23, 2011) -- A new technique allows researchers to collect large amounts of biochemical information from nanoscale bone samples. Along with adding important new insights into the fight against osteoporosis, this innovation opens up an entirely new proteomics-based approach to analyzing bone quality. It could even aid the archeological and forensic study of human skeletons. ... > full story

Blood pressure changes are age-related, study finds (June 23, 2011) -- The main causes of increases in blood pressure over a lifetime are modifiable and could be targeted to help prevent cardiovascular disease, new research shows. ... > full story

'Super sand' for better purification of drinking water (June 23, 2011) -- Scientists have developed a way to transform ordinary sand -- a mainstay filter material used to purify drinking water throughout the world -- into a "super sand" with five times the filtering capacity of regular sand. The new material could be a low-cost boon for developing countries, where more than a billion people lack clean drinking water, according to a new article. ... > full story

Stress in the city: Brain activity and biology behind mood disorders of urbanites (June 23, 2011) -- Being born and raised in a major urban area is associated with greater lifetime risk for anxiety and mood disorders. Until now, the biology for these associations had not been described. A new study shows that two distinct brain regions that regulate emotion and stress are affected by city living. ... > full story

Birds' eye view is far more colorful than our own (June 23, 2011) -- The brilliant colors of birds have inspired poets and nature lovers, but researchers say these existing hues represent only a fraction of what birds are capable of seeing. ... > full story

Scientists accurately predict age with saliva sample (June 23, 2011) -- Self-conscious about your age? Careful where you spit. Geneticists now can use saliva to reveal how old you are. The findings suggest a myriad of potential applications, including the development of a new forensic tool for pinpointing a suspect's age in crime-scene investigations. ... > full story

Current strategy for medicating patients may be giving many drug-resistant diseases a big competitive advantage (June 23, 2011) -- In the war between drugs and drug-resistant diseases, the current strategy for medicating patients may be giving many drug-resistant diseases a big competitive advantage, according to a new article. The paper argues for new research efforts to discover effective ways for managing the evolution and slowing the spread of drug-resistant disease organisms. ... > full story

Reasons for dramatic rise in cesarean births identified (June 23, 2011) -- In one of the first studies to examine the reasons for the rising number of women delivering their babies by cesarean section, researchers found that while half of the increase was attributable to a rise in repeat cesarean delivery in women with a prior cesarean birth, an equal proportion was due to a rise in first time cesarean delivery. Among these deliveries, factors such as slowly progressing labor and fetal heart rate concerns were the largest contributors. ... > full story

Stiff sediments made 2004 Sumatra earthquake deadliest in history (June 23, 2011) -- Geoscientists have discovered an unusual geological formation that helps explain how an undersea earthquake off the coast of Sumatra in December 2004 spawned the deadliest tsunami in recorded history. ... > full story

Psychologists find link between ovulation and women's ability to identify heterosexual men (June 23, 2011) -- A woman can more accurately identify a man's sexual orientation when looking at his face, when she is closest to her time of peak ovulation, psychologists show. Further, having romantic thoughts or a mating goal heightens a woman's ability to discriminate between straight and gay men. ... > full story

Evolution to the rescue: Species may adapt quickly to rapid environmental change, yeast study shows (June 23, 2011) -- Evolution is usually thought to be a slow process, something that happens over generations, thanks to adaptive mutations. But environmental change is happening very fast. So, according to a biology professor, the question arises, "Can evolution happen quickly enough to help a species survive?" The answer, according to his most recent study, is a resounding yes. ... > full story